Sustainability in the Athens Area

Athens County, Ohio, although one of the poorest counties in Ohio overall, nonetheless has made great strides in sustainability. Two of the state's three largest solar installers - Dovetail Solar and Wind and Third Sun Solar - are based in Athens. There are an increasing number of solar arrays in the Athens area, and they are becoming a commonplace sight. Perhaps the most notable are the panels roofing the parking area of the Athens Community Center.

One of the great strengths of the area is the local food movement. There are a growing number of local restaurants and grocery stores that emphasize local food products, and the Athens Farmers Market is a great venue for buying local.

Athens County has a tremendous resource of public open space, and there are efforts to protect more land to enhance the local quality of life.